ECD Automotive Design may be best known for its custom Land Rover Defenders and other British classics, but its latest build proves the Florida-based shop is not limited to one side of the Atlantic. The company recently completed its first 1972 Chevrolet K5 Blazer commission, a $245,000 custom build created for a longtime collector client.
The result is a clean, carefully finished take on one of Chevrolet’s most recognizable vintage 4x4s. ECD kept the Blazer’s original spirit intact while adding the performance, comfort, and usability expected from a modern restomod.
Classic K5 Style, Carefully Preserved
The highly coveted first-generation Chevy K5 Blazer has always had a strong identity. Its short wheelbase, wide stance, removable hardtop, and simple, authentic truck-based personality helped make it a favorite among off-road fans, beach cruisers, and collectors alike. This 1972 example leans into that history with a period-correct two-tone finish in Chevy Dark Olive Poly and Frost White.
The Frost White billboard stripe, chrome details, polished 17-inch Chevy Scottsdale wheels, and matching hardtop all give the Blazer a spot-on vintage look that’s full of nostalgia. It still looks like a classic K5, just with the kind of paint, panel fit, and finishing details that separate a high-end commission from a basic restoration.
Modern V8 Power
Under the hood, ECD installed a Retro 6.0-liter V8 paired with an automatic transmission. That gives the Blazer the smoother, more dependable fuel-injected performance many owners want when they plan to actually drive their classic 4x4s rather than just park them at shows.
The setup keeps the K5’s V8 personality intact while making it easier to enjoy on regular drives, weekend trips, and longer cruises. A standard mid-note exhaust adds the right amount of character without overwhelming the overall driving experience.
Mild Lift And Updated Control
The Blazer’s stance is helped by a 2.5-inch lift and 35×12.5R17LT BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires mounted on polished 17-inch Chevy Scottsdale wheels. The combination gives the truck a balanced look while staying true to the classic K5 formula.
ECD also upgraded the braking system with four-wheel disc brakes and Hydroboost assistance, bringing stopping power closer to modern expectations. The result is a vintage Blazer that still looks rugged and period-correct, but feels more composed and confidence-inspiring from behind the wheel.
A Vintage Cabin With Modern Comfort
Inside, the Blazer keeps a classic layout with front seating and a rear bench, but ECD added several thoughtful upgrades. Buffalo vinyl seats with Porsche Pepita Green houndstooth inlays give the cabin a custom look that still feels era-appropriate. The wrapped classic dash, German square weave mats, and clean trim work add to the tailored feel.
Modern convenience features are integrated without overwhelming the interior. The build includes climate control, digital gauges, a Retrosound radio, power windows and locks, a Viper alarm with remote start, automatic headlights, heated and cooled front seats, and a heated rear bench.
A New Direction For ECD
For ECD, this K5 Blazer is more than a one-off commission. It shows how the company’s restoration and custom-building process can translate to an American 4×4 icon. The right stance, the removable-top fun, and the simple V8 toughness that made these early K5s so appealing from the start still make them attractive today.
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